JONATHAN Brown has pulled no punches ahead of Saturday night's QClash against Gold Coast, labelling it the Brisbane Lions' biggest match of the year.

The Lions' captain will play his first local derby after missing both matches against the Suns in 2011 with facial fractures.

Brown said it was frustrating watching the teams split the two matches last year, and put a huge price on winning at the Gabba on Saturday night.

"It's a blockbuster game for us and probably the biggest game of the year," Brown said.

"There's going to be a lot of emotion, no doubt. We want bragging rights to be Queensland's best team.

"You watch the derbies around the other states and you see the passion involved. The same thing happened here last year and there was plenty of build-up, and the Gold Coast were too good for us the first time.

"That was very frustrating to watch and not be a part of. I'm looking forward to getting involved in it. It's a blockbuster game for us and we don’t get many blockbuster games up here."

The Lions caused a stir at selection on Thursday by naming Brown's triple premiership teammate Simon Black, who has returned a week early from a broken hand.

Although Suns' coach Guy McKenna said earlier on Friday he was glad Black was playing, he would not be surprised if there was a late change.

Brown had different ideas, saying he had no doubt Black would start on Saturday night after seeing him train on Wednesday.

"He trained with the full group and trained fantastically," Brown said.

"He's our midfield general. He started the season off really well and he should get things rolling for us. We're disappointed with the way the last couple of weeks have gone, but we've had a really good week and we're confident going out tomorrow night that we'll get the job done."

The other contentious selection for the Lions was bringing in veteran Ben Hudson to be the sole ruckman at the expense of injured Matthew Leuenberger (achilles) and Billy Longer (omitted).

Brown has full confidence 33-year-old Hudson can carry the extra load.

"One of his strengths is his endurance and his resilience," Brown said of Hudson

"The way he set us up against Melbourne in round one was fantastic. I think he'll provide plenty of experience to our midfield.

"With the inclusion of him and 'Blacky', it gives our midfield a real strong look against a real strength of Gold Coast."

Michael Whiting covers Brisbane Lions news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting